Saturday, October 30, 2010

The New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union, Council 82, AFSCME, AFL-CIO is proud to endorse Sheriff John P. Burn for re-election as the Sheriff of Jefferson County. Council 82 represents over 70 law enforcement locals throughout New York State including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Local 3928, as well as the Jefferson County Correction Officers and Dispatchers, Local 3089, both which have already endorsed John Burns for Sheriff.

Sheriff John Burns has been a member of the Jefferson County’s Sheriffs’ Office for almost 30 years. During the course of his career he has worked in the county jail as a deputy, served on the road patrol, became a detective, and eventually was elected Sheriff in 2002. He has lead the department with an attitude that is firm, fare and consistent and in a manner that has benefited the officers serving under him, as well as the citizens of Jefferson County.

As an officer, Burns served as past president of his member’s union so he understands the needs of the working men and women in uniform which he leads. He is a strong leader and has dealt with the issues facing his department with honor. His working relationship with the members of the law enforcement and the community are second-to-none. He has always maintained an open-mind to the new ideas presented to him and the county is safer because of his service. It is for these reasons, and many others, that Council 82 is proud to endorse, and support John P. Burns for re-election as the Sheriff of Jefferson County.

Council 82 represents Police Officers, County Deputy Sheriffs, County Correction Officers, Dispatchers and Law Enforcement Officers throughout New York State.

Friday, October 29, 2010

President Bill Clinton will travel to the North Country on Monday November 1st to support our very own Congressman Bill Owens. This event will be a historic one so please make plans to attend this once in a lifetime event. Details are as follows:

Who: President Bill Clinton Comes to Watertown NYWhen: Doors open at 9:15am (open to the public so get there early!)Where: Ramada Inn on Arsenal St. Watertown NY

If you'd like more details please come to Bill Owens, Darrel Aubertine, Addie Russell or Brian McGrath's Campaign office on Saturday afternoon. Get info and then hit the streets knocking for our various candidates. If you haven't knocked a door, called or stuffed lit for our great candidates then here's a great opportunity for you to help with the final push. We REALLY need you!!!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Patty Fails to Respond to Voter EducationGuide Important To 80,000 District Voters

After skipping debates, and hiding from media questions about her support of Carl Paladino’s extreme agenda, Patty Ritchie has taken her disdain for the public discussion to a new level, blowing off the AARP’s candidate questionnaire.

“Here was an opportunity for Patty Ritchie to sit down with her downstate handlers and fill out a form, but Patty still didn’t do it,” said Drew Mangione, spokesman for the Aubertine Campaign. “When you look at Carl Paladino’s responses, it becomes clear why she didn’t speak to the AARP. The Patty-Paladino scheme would devastate senior healthcare, laying off more than 2,100 local health care workers, closing hospitals and nursing homes, slashing healthcare services for 1 in 5 vulnerable adults, children and seniors in the region.”

State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, on the other hand, answered the entire questionnaire, and expressed how proud he was to fight for seniors this year to restore funding for the EPIC program and to improve and protect our healthcare services over the past two years. He has fought to protect health care jobs, healthcare for children, seniors and people with disabilities. He secured $34 million to keep Mercy Hospital open and save 300 jobs. He fought to expand EPIC so more Seniors can get low cost prescriptions and is endorsed by the largest local health care group representing over 1,000 central and Northern New York healthcare workers.

The public can view the non-partisan AARP elections voters’ guide with pertinent candidate information for the upcoming elections. The questions were selected based on surveyed concerns of its New York members. The candidates were asked to answer numerous questions and given 125 words to do so.

“This voter guide is a great way for seniors to find out where the candidates stand on critical issues that are important to them,” Darrel said. “I’ll gladly share my record of repeatedly supporting the Senior STAR program, a property tax cap, making prescription drugs more affordable, lowering energy costs for seniors and making long-term care more response.”Questions were asked regarding candidates positions on Long-term care, Housing, Prescription drugs, energy and transportation issue and had a multiple-choice aspect. The responses, as well as AARP’s position, are posted for all to see: http://vote4.aarp.org/pdf-race/NewYorkSenateDistrict48-200792249.pdf. Mrs. Ritchie failed to respond even after being granted an extension by AARP.

Patty Ritchie’s running mate on two ballot lines, Carl Paladino, did respond and he stated his opposition to five of the AARP’s priorities including expanding the Elderly Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (EPIC) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), both of which are programs that thousands of Central and North New Yorkers use.

Voters, non-partisan groups like the League of Women Voters, and even Newspapers outlets, including the Watertown Daily Times, North Country Public Radio have expressed that they do not know where Mrs. Ritchie stands on a whole host of issues. By not filling out the AARP survey, yet another group, the more than 80,000 voters aged 50 and older in the district may never know where she stands on senior issues.

122nd Assembly District candidate Brian McGrath (D, I) today announced the backing of a broad coalition of support from organized labor.

“My campaign has been about cutting taxes, reforming government and creating jobs. Keeping the good jobs we have here, and creating a business climate that will invite job growth. I’m honored to have overwhelming support from the labor community in our shared fight to revitalize the North Country economy,” said McGrath.

“The social and economic problems facing our state and nation require strong leadership on the part of our elected representatives and we feel that you will be a strong advocate for the needs of all working men and women throughout the State of New York. We offer you best wishes in your campaign and the support of the members of the New York State AFL-CIO affiliates in your district,” wrote New York State AFL-CIO President, Denis M. Hughes in an endorsement letter to McGrath.

“Brian McGrath has a realistic plan create and keep good jobs in the North Country. He understands the needs of working people, and he'll fight to create opportunities so that our children aren’t forced to leave their families and communities to find work," said Jerry Dennis, President, SEIU Local 200United.

“We don’t need old guard politicians just talking about our problems. We need bright new leaders like Brian McGrath, one of Lowville’s finest, to provide innovative solutions to stop jobs from leaving our area and to work with businesses nationwide to create new jobs here,” said Roger J. Turck, President, USW Local 1988 in Lowville.

McGrath is also endorsed by the Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence County Central Trades and Labor Council of the AFL-CIO and IBEW Local 2032.

Betty McLean (former Chairwoman of the Town of Wilna) was honored tonight at theTown of Wilna American Legion for over 50 yrs of work electing good Democrats to office. Tonight’s event was a who’s who of progressive leaders from across the North Country.

“Betty McLean is someone that will work tirelessly to make sure the Democratic Party is heard and reckoned with.” Said Jefferson County Democratic Chair Sean Hennessey. Her success’s can be seen on at the local level as well as on the National Stage. Betty has seen it all and although I’ll never be able to fill her shoes but I’ll do my best to follow in her footsteps” said Paul Smith Town Supervisor of the Town of Wilna and current chairman of the Town of Wilna Democratic Committee. Brian McGrath expressed his thanks for Betty and her life work and pressed the crowd to give Betty an early Birthday present by electing a Democrat for the first time ever to represent 122nd Assembly district.

In Betty’s speech (in normal fashion) she thanks all the people that have made her success a reality. She especially thanked all in attendance and urged them to continue the fight to make the North Country a more progressive and inclusive community.

Attending tonight event were past and current Chairs of the Jefferson County Democratic Committee, representative’s for Senator Darrel Aubertine and Assemblywoman Addie J Russell, Brian McGrath (Candidate for the NYS Assembly - 122nd District), Sheriff John Burns, County Treasurer Nancy Brown, Town/Village elected officials, Town Chairs from the Jefferson County Democratic Committee and many from the community that wanted to thank Betty for her Service.

Thank you Betty for all you have done and continue to do for our community!!

Ritchie on Record for MonthsSupporting Paladino’s Disastrous Fiscal Plan,Now, as Carl Falters,She Can’t Decide Who or What She Supports

Just 9 days before the election, Patty Ritchie is waffling on her support of the Paladino agenda, despite publicly supporting his agenda for months and collecting more than 4000 signatures to join him on his ballot line.

“Ritchie had no problem running on Paladino’s message of cutting healthcare for struggling families and slashing education, but now as her campaign flounders, she just woke up to realize how bad this reckless plan would be for Central and Northern New Yorkers?” said Aubertine Campaign spokesman Drew Mangione. “Does anyone really believe that? After tying herself to Paladino, promoting his ideas, creating a sham ballot line with him and using his talking points, suddenly she’s ‘uncertain’of where she stands.”

Patty Ritchie shares two party lines with Carl Paladino and has publically supported his fiscal approach. Now, with just over a week until Election Day, she is questioning his reckless cuts, his fiscal plan and his mental state while offering little in the way of clear statements on what she does support.

“This last minute waffle on the basic premise of her campaign raises so many questions, most notably does she actually know what she wants to do in Albany?” asks Mangione. “And if she no longer supports the disastrous Paladino plan, what exactly does she stand for?”

In the past two years, Darrel Aubertine has saved thousands of jobs while taking a responsible approach to closing the budget deficits. He has voted to hold the line on education funding and to rein in Medicaid costs. He has also approved cuts in spending, while he has rejected onerous tax increases, like the Soda Tax. But the cuts Darrel has supported have allowed health care for struggling families and the elderly and education for our children to still exist, meeting the basic needs of the people of Central and Northern New York.

For months, it has been clear that Carl Paladino’s drastic approach would severely damage education and health care, but while Paladino was moving up in the polls and gaining traction, Ritchie had no problems being aligned with him. Now, as his campaign falters, Ritchie suddenly doesn’t agree with Paladino, raising questions about whether she is another politician willing to do or say anything to get elected.

“With this very high-profile flip-flop, Patty Ritchie is sounding more and more like the Albany politicians that convinced her to run in the first place,” Mangione concludes. “With her support of Paladino hurting her, she is following her Long Island handlers who are instructing her to drop her support for Paladino. Where is her moral compass?”

In the 23rd District, which sprawls across the North Country south to Madison County, Republican challenger Matt Doheny, like Buerkle in the 25th, wants to return “certainty” to economic policy-making. Few candidates demonstrate more “certainty” — at least about what’s wrong.The TARP bank bailout? “Flat-out wrong.” The same with the economic stimulus, health insurance reeform and new financial services regulations. The old earmark process? “Flat-out wrong,” says Doheny.

The energetic Doheny calls for new ideas and straight talk. He says his years working with troubled companies “on the front lines of capitalism” give him the skills needed to deal with economic issues.

Democratic incumbent Bill Owens argues he is a better fit for the district than a man with a “career on Wall Street.” Owens, the first Democratic congressman in the district since the Civil War era, won a tumultuous special election last year that included two Republicans — one of whom dropped out and endorsed Owens. In his short tenure, he has compiled a moderate record — voting for the health care bill, but opposing the financial regulation bill because of concerns it would hurt small banks in his district. Like Doheny, he calls for fresh thinking and is concerned about the federal deficit.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

OSWEGO, JEFFERSON & ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES (October 23, 2010)—State Senator Darrel J. Aubertine has received the support of the New York State Association of Police Benevolent Associations, as the Association decided unanimously to support Darrel in his bid for re-election.

“We are extremely pleased that our Association has unanimously endorsed Sen. Aubertine for re-election as New York StateSenator for the 48th Senatorial District,” said Thomas Willdigg, President of the New York State Association of PBAs. “Our endorsement is based upon his well known, documented positions taken in support of law enforcement, the friendship you have exhibited toward police officers, and the confidence we have in him to be an effective representative.”

“It is an honor to have the support of men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours,” Darrel said. “Throughout my time in the Senate, I been sure to make any possible effort to support the endeavors of law enforcement and ensure they have what they need to do their jobs. The better they can perform, the safer we are.”

The New York State Association of PBAs, Inc. is an organization comprised of more than 50 member units and more than 40,000 police officers in New York State.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Have you knocked a door? If not get out and let our neighbors know how much we appreciate Darrel. Come to the HQ's tomorrow morning, get a packet and let put this in the history books as a win for the North Country!

The fight for the 48th Senate District is one of those hotly contested races. Depending on who wins the seat could mean a shift in power for the Senate. NORTH COUNTRY, N.Y. -- The race for the 48th Senate District has cost both parties a pretty penny. In recent days, Senate Republicans have given Patty Ritchie $330,000 in an attempt to win back the seat and Senate Democrats have dumped $350,000 in to Senator Darrel Aubertine's campaign to defend it.

"I think people pay a lot of attention to races like this in regions of the state like this," Aubertine said.

Even more so in this race, where polls have actually placed Ritchie up three points, but within the margin of error. Defending this seat is a tough task for Democrats, with Republicans outnumbering them by more than 30,000.

"The way you defend a seat like this is you do your job. And you represent everyone. You don't represent one political stripe or another," Aubertinie said.See more from News10 by clicking HERE

“The construction industry has been devastated by the recession and without the support we received from Senator Aubertine it could have been much worse,” said Bob Mantello, President of Local Union No. 2. “Darrel played a vital roll in the passage of the Construction Industry Fair Play Act and has remained committed to taking up the issues faced by working men and women Upstate. Based on his record and accessibility to hearing all of his constituents, we proudly endorse Darrel as he seeks re-election to continue representing the values of our members.”

“Our construction workers have a very important roll in all of our lives as they literally lay the foundation of our communities. To have the endorsement of these hardworking men and women of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union is an honor as I strive to work hard for all of us,” Darrel said. “Having the support of construction families gives me a great sense of pride and I truly appreciate their decision to endorse me.”

The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local No. 2 represents more than 1,400 union construction families in Upstate New York, including Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.

by Timothy W. Scee IISpecial to Newzjunky.comPublished October 21, 2010

An anonymous e-mail, accusing Jefferson County Sheriff candidate Charles F. “Chuck” Ruggiero of posting a “racist” comment on the Facebook wall of a sheriff’s deputy, was sent Thursday morning to Newzjunky.com and newspaper reporter David C. Shampine.

The author, whose name is not shown in the address bar, copied and pasted a screen shot of Deputy Sheriff Shaun D. Cuddeback’s Facebook page entitled “Profile Pictures.”

“This is a post about a photo of a current deputy holding a baby,” the author writes.

Although the picture is not included in the e-mail, Cuddeback’s description of it reads, “Found a pic of me and my “little” girl, brought back some memories. (Go ahead, laugh at the beard and glasses, I know you want to.)’”

“Chuck Ruggiero,” at 12:32 p.m., Jan. 21, responds, “Looks like the only things you’re missing are the backpack bomb and the towel on your head!”

The North Country Democrat has finally figured out how to set the time of the blog entries to eastern standard time. We guess it will mean less people congratulating us for posting stories at 5am and more thinking we actually have a life and do things other then post on this site. lol Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend!!

State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine tonight again stood before the people of Northern New York ready to discuss the issues that matter to our families at a candidate forum arranged by the North Side Improvement League.

And for the second time in three days, Patty Ritchie stood up debate organizers and the public by simply not showing up. This was the same Patty Ritchie who failed to show for a planned League of Women Voters debate in Canton – the only planned debate in St. Lawrence County.

“We can’t figure out why Patty Ritchie is hiding, or what exactly she is hiding from,” said Drew Mangione. “Is she aware that Senators have to answer tough questions from the media, speak in public and even defend bills on the floor of the Senate. It’s part of their job. In addition, it’s also their responsibility to be responsive to the people and open to the public.”

The North Side Improvement League received commitments from Sheriff John Burns and his opponent, Senator Aubertine and Patty Ritchie to attend the event, which was simulcast on http://www.steveweedproductions.com/ and http://www.nnynewscow.com/, and attended by local media along with more than 100 in the crowd who supplied the questions.

Sen. Aubertine was asked about healthcare, gun rights, farm labor, and even the gubernatorial race. A common refrain in the questions asked was, “I wish I could have asked Patty this question, but I’ll ask Senator Aubertine…” As always, Senator Aubertine was there, ready and willing to discuss the issues.

“This election is an important election, as every election is,” Darrel said. “I’ve been proud to represent all of you and to work toward achieving our goals and our interests. The number one issue in this race is jobs and strengthening our economy. That’s what I’ve worked to do in protecting jobs and services at Mercy here in Watertown and just up the road at Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. It’s what I’ve worked to do with Power for Jobs, Energize New York and Green Jobs/Green New York. I’ve worked to earn your trust and I’m here today to keep it.”

When asked where Patty Ritchie was tonight, moderator Charlie Bolio said, “She sent us emails today saying that she would be here. I ran into Darrel a few weeks ago and he made the commitment that he would be here tonight, and he followed through on his commitment.”

Members of the audience were also off-put by Mrs. Ritchie’s absence, as Al Drake, County Legislator from Theresa said “This seems like this is a good forum to get your ideas out there, I guess she had something more important to. But this should take priority.”

John O’Driscoll, also of Theresa, said “She was at the same event as a Sherriff candidate earlier today and he made it tonight, I don’t understand why she couldn’t make it here to talk to us.”

The North Country Democrat was pleasantly surprised at the turnout at Coleman’s Corner for a fundraiser in support of Senator Aubertine tonight! The food was great and what a reception from the staff. Big thanks to everyone for coming and showing how much we appreciate Darrel and all his efforts in Albany.

Later in the evening a bunch of us went off to phone bank at Congressman Bill Owens Watertown Office. He's a proven advocate for North Country and to be honest a really great guy! The calls are really working and feedback was very strong tonight. If you'd like to help please drop us a email and we'll get in touch. Thanks everyone for all you do!!!!

Monday, October 18, 2010

State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine followed through with his commitment to attend a planned debate here in St. Lawrence County, which had been intended to be a debate with his opponent, however, he was the only one who showed up to talk to voters.

“This was an opportunity to discuss the issues central to this race with the people of St. Lawrence County and I was not going to pass on this chance to talk about the issues,” Darrel J. Aubertine said. “It’s unfortunate my opponent did not take this opportunity to discuss the issues in a public forum, but regardless, I believe it is important to speak directly to the voters and the media to show where we stand to voters in St. Lawrence County.”

The Senator agreed to debate at SUNY Canton with an independent community organization. However, even after his opponent refused to take this opportunity the Senator chose to move ahead with the forum at Room 212-214 at the Campus Center with local media in attendance. Sen. Aubertine in each of his campaigns has never passed up debates in St. Lawrence County.

“This really highlights Patty Ritchie’s refusal to answer the difficult questions from the people of St. Lawrence County,” said Drew Mangione, campaign spokesman. “The people of St. Lawrence County deserve this opportunity and this begs the question: Why would she duck this any chance to talk to people in St. Lawrence County?”

Sheriff John Burns, Brian McGrathand guests at 5:30PM(Chairman’s Club Free, Century Club $30, All others $50/person

for reception only)~Dinner will starts at 6:30 PM($30/person for dinner only)~To attend both events $75/person.~Please R.S.V.P. and Dinner choice by Oct 15th to:JCDC Head Quarters atjeffersondemocrats@gmail.com orcall (315) 788-4590.All funds raised will go towards development of Local candidates in theJefferson County area

By: JULIE PACEAP ReporterWASHINGTON — End tax breaks that reward some U.S. companies with overseas subsidiaries and encourage those businesses to create jobs in other countries, President Barack Obama is telling Congress.

Yet it's an idea that has raised concerns even among some lawmakers in the president's own party.

At issue is a bill, now stalled in the Senate, that would do away with some tax credits and deferrals for U.S. companies for operations abroad.

"There is no reason why our tax code should actively reward them for creating jobs overseas," Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday. "Instead, we should be using our tax dollars to reward companies that create jobs and businesses within our borders."

Though Obama singled out Republican opposition, the bill also failed to get support from some Democrats, including the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. He has expressed concern that the change would put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage.

The ending of the tax provisions has run into opposition from business groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers.

Today dozens of volunteers took to the doors of Jefferson County to get the word out about our leaders and plan on how to improve things in the North Country. From Adams to Alex Bay and Brownville to Wilna our volunteers did us proud.

The day started with a labor rally at CSEA headquarters in Watertown for Congressman Bill Owens and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

The volunteer's hands were at the ready when the packets went out. Just after the bulk of the team took to the streets, I'm told that Congressman Bill Owens opponent stopped into the CSEA office to see what the commotion was about. We're thinking that Matt was not all that pleased to see all the red (made in America) "I support Bill Owens" shirts in the room.

The North Country Democrat also spotted Sheriff John Burns, Senator Aubertine and Assemblywoman Addie Russell volunteers dropping literature all over the City of Watertown, Brownville, Glenn park, Adams, Black River, and Wilna areas.The reception was amazing and the volunteers were charged up by the reaction from the community.

The North Country Democrat would like to thank everyone that came out to help with the push. We want to especially thank all in Labor for spending the day with us. We had labor groups from across the region lending support. Groups such as CSEA, SEIU, CWA, Steel workers, Auto Workers, Brick layers and many more.

Don't forget everyone! Phone banks are up in the Jefferson County Democratic Head Quarters and phone calls are critical. The various campaign offices are in need of bodies and there will be a continued effort to take our message to every door in the region.

If you'd like to help knock doors or possibly make phone calls please get in touch with us. Every phone call made and every door knocked gets us one step closer to victory on November 2nd.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

LOWVILLE, N.Y. — 122nd District Assembly candidates Ken Blankenbush (R, C – LeRay) and Brian McGrath (D, I – Martinsburg) will debate in Lewis County on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Lowville Elks Club located at 5600 Shady Ave. in Lowville. The hour-long forum will be moderated by Brian Best and Bill Flack of WLLG Radio and broadcast live on 99.3 FM. The debate is free and open to the public.

“North Country voters have a choice in this election, and I look forward to a robust and productive discussion about the issues that are most important to our region’s vitality: job creation, tax relief, and cleaning up the cesspool of Albany dysfunction that continues force our loved ones to leave the North Country,” said McGrath

Patricia A. Ritchie is saying she's "absolutely" open to debating her opponent in the 48th state Senate District, but her campaign team is absolutely avoiding the idea.

Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, challenged Mrs. Ritchie on Friday to debate in each of the district's three counties before the Nov. 2 general election. The two have committed to just one joint appearance: a Friday taping of WPBS-TV's "Public Eye," which is closed to the public and aired at a later date.

Mr. Aubertine committed to an appearance on "Campbell Conversations," a 30-minute forum on public radio station WRVO with Syracuse University political science professor Grant D. Reeher. He also accepted an invitation to an Oct. 18 discussion at SUNY Canton, sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Mr. Reeher said Mark C. Waldczyk, Mrs. Ritchie's deputy campaign manager, told him his candidate wasn't available at any time for an entire week. The professor had offered to host until 7 p.m. any day late this week or early next week and tape on the weekend if necessary.

Kathleen F. Stein, the League's secretary, said she was "severely annoyed" after four phone calls and four e-mails yielded just one noncommittal answer from Mr. Waldczyk. The group has had to cancel the debate.

Tonight at 9pm Brian McGrath (candidate 122nd Assembly district) will be on with a taped debate that took place a day or so ago. By the sounds of the back and forth it will be a great chance to see Brian and hear some of the issues effecting not just the 122nd Assembly district but the North Country as a whole. Check out he write up and make sure set your DVR to record this one.

Upcoming show: A Series of Political Conversations

This month, Public Eye will spotlight upcoming elections, bringing candidates together to talk about where they stand on issues that affect the North Country. Public Eye will break out of its monthly format by offering 3 programs before election day that are designed to give North Country residents a more in depth discussion of important issues.

Sheriff John Burns, Brian McGrathand guests at 5:30PM(Chairman’s Club Free, Century Club $30, All others $50/person

for reception only)~Dinner will starts at 6:30 PM($30/person for dinner only)~To attend both events $75/person.~Please R.S.V.P. and Dinner choice by Oct 15th to:JCDC Head Quarters atjeffersondemocrats@gmail.com orcall (315) 788-4590.All funds raised will go towards development of Local candidates in theJefferson County area

Friday, October 1, 2010

Yesterday, Congressman Bill Owens voted to support the growth of American jobs and to end currency manipulation by foreign countries like China. The Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (H.R. 2378) will provide additional tools for the U.S. government to impose trade penalties against China for undervaluing its currency and provide meaningful relief to American businesses. H.R. 2378 passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday by a large bipartisan majority of 348-79.

“This legislation will help to level the playing field after decades of manipulation by the Chinese government of its currency, and will assist to create American jobs,” said Owens. “This manipulation has unfairly contributed to the current state of our economy by creating a substantial imbalance of trade in favor of the Chinese, and has shipped jobs overseas.”

The Chinese government has intervened in world markets, causing its currency to be undervalued by as much as 25 to 40 percent. This unfair trade practice translates into a significant subsidy, artificially making Chinese imports into the United States cheaper and American imports to China more expensive. The resulting imbalance jeopardizes efforts to create and preserve manufacturing jobs in America.

“It is very important that we have free and fair trade existing in the world, but when one country artificially deflates its currency to gain leverage on a capitalist world market, there is nothing free nor fair about it,” Owens continued.

H.R. 2378 allows the U.S. Department of Commerce to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports that offset the effect of a fundamentally undervalued currency. The legislation also reverses a current Commerce Department practice that has precluded it from treating foreign currency practices as an export subsidy and directs the department how to measure the subsidy provided to foreign produces through currency undervaluation.

“For decades, Democrats and Republicans have attempted to convince China to play fair in the world markets, but no progress has been made,” Owens added. “With the passage of this bill, we will have more leverage in negotiations with China and any other foreign government that uses these unfair tactics in the future. The legislation takes a ‘big picture’ approach to remedy this situation, and we can do the same on a smaller scale by purchasing more goods produced within our borders. It has never been more critical to buy American.”

H.R. 2378 is supported by the Fair Currency Coalition (a coalition of industry, agriculture, and labor), U.S. Business and Industry Council, AFL-CIO, Coalition of Agricultural Producers (including American Corn Growers & National Farmers Union), United Auto Workers, United Steel Workers, American Iron & Steel Institute, American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, Alliance for American Manufacturing, and National Council of Textile Organizations.

Jefferson County Democratic Committee

Volunteer Today and Change Tomorrow

This is the official Blog of the Jefferson County Democratic Party. We would like to know your views and would appreciate you forwarding them on to us at:Jeffersondemocrats@gmail.comor by calling us at (315) 788-4590